The volunteer orientation will train members of the community who are interested in providing patient companionship and assisting with pet therapy.

The session is headed by Hospice of Michigan’s volunteer program manager Kathy Lietaert to ensure that patients receive the proper attention and interaction they deserve. The training session offers important information about the nonprofit hospice agency, its patients and the benefits that active volunteers may experience. While patient care will be the focus of this session, pet therapy and veteran focused volunteers are also welcome to attend.

“Volunteers for Hospice of Michigan have the ability to touch the lives of those they assist, and their loved ones, in a most difficult time,” Lietaert said. “The ability to expand our services to northern Michigan provides a valuable learning opportunity for volunteers looking to contribute their time to rewarding experience for all parties involved.”

Hospice of Michigan volunteer program shapes each contributor’s experience to accommodate their availability and preferences. The training session offers the opportunity to build relationships, develop new skills, and ultimately make a difference in the community.

The training session is open to the public. To submit an online application prior to the session, please visit www.hom.org/volunteer-application/ or call Kathy Lietaert at 231.779.5409. Paper applications will also be available the day of the session.

About Hospice of MichiganA nationally recognized leader in end-of-life care, Hospice of Michigan is the original – and largest – hospice in the state. The nonprofit cares for nearly 1,800 patients each day, raising more than $5 million each year to cover the cost of care for the uninsured and underinsured. HOM offers a broad range of services to enhance the quality of life at the end of life, including community-based palliative care and pediatric care programs. HOM provides grief support and counseling, caregiver education and support, and education programs for physicians and health care professionals through its research, training and education arm, the Hospice of Michigan Institute. In January 2016, HOM joined forces with Arbor Hospice and Palliative Care, strengthening the mission of nonprofit hospice in Michigan to ensure patients and their caregivers receive the highest quality of care. For more information, call 888.247.5701 or visit www.hom.org.